A political candidate not only needs votes, they need money.  In today’s multi-media world millions of dollars are necessary to run an effective campaign.   To win the election battle citizens will be bombarded with ads that cost millions.  Other mounting expenses including wages for staff, consultants, surveyors, grassroots activists, media experts, wonks, and policy analysts.  The figures are staggering with the next presidential election year campaigns likely to cost more than ten billion dollars.

Opensecret.org has summarized the money spent by presidential candidates, Senate and House candidates, political parties and independent interest groups that played an influential role in the federal elections by cycle.  Clearly, there’s no sign of less spending in future elections.

The 2016 presidential election cycle is already underway, the fund raising war has already begun.  Koch brothers’ political organization released $889 million budget in January 2015 supporting conservative campaigns in 2016 presidential contest.  As for primary presidential candidates, Hillary Clinton Campaign aims to raise at least $100 million for the primary election.  On the other side of the political aisle, analysts speculated primary candidate Jeb Bush will likely raised over $100 million when he discloses his financial position in July.